21st Century Skills for the Future of Work.
This theme explores the future of work and the skills young people will need to flourish in uncertain environments.
A generation of young people are about to enter a workforce that has been greatly altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing rising youth unemployment and underemployment, and industries undergoing rapid change to adapt to a post-pandemic environment. Young people attempting to enter the workforce are therefore doing so under increased uncertainty and insecurity. There is much we do not know about the future of work, however, what is clear is that young people are going to need skills that are adaptable and transferable across industries and circumstances. These 21st century skills are going to be vital predictors of a young person’s ability to flourish into the future.
Across our project we will focus on four key competencies, and five character qualities that exemplify 21st century skills.
Competencies:
Critical thinking
Communication
Creativity
Collaboration
Character Qualities:
Curiosity
Initiative
Persistence
Leadership
Social and cultural awareness
These competencies and qualities signal a workforce that values diversity, adaptability and creativity. Supporting the development of these capacities will have value not just for young people themselves, but equally for the resilience of industries and economies into the future.
Image: Project Partner Australian Theatre for Young People